niche brands

Welcome to an exclusive interview with Armand Beasley, the renowned beauty guru and celebrity make-up artist with over 25 years of experience. Armand shares his insights on the evolution of make-up and skincare, highlighting advancements in textures and performance, as well as the growing appeal of sustainability and organic practices among smaller niche brands.

As a versatile creative, Armand’s journey extends beyond make-up artistry, delving into acting and hosting seminars worldwide. He discusses the rewards of inspiring aspiring artists and enthusiasts while sharing expert advice on establishing a daily beauty routine that enhances natural features and promotes healthy skin. Stay tuned as he reveals the inspiration behind his cult-favourite product, Pro Body Glow, and offers a glimpse into the future of the beauty industry, emphasizing authenticity and embracing the holistic side of beauty.

A: With over 25 years of experience in the industry, how have you seen the world of make-up and skincare evolve over time? B: If you had to single them out, what trends stand out to you?

A: Technology has obviously advanced, so textures and performance have improved. People are taking notice of smaller independent niche brands too, especially ones that have a 360-degree approach to sustainability.

B: Awareness of the organic and sustainability are trends worth noticing today.

As a celebrity make-up artist, you have had the opportunity to work with a wide range of A-list celebrities. Can you share any memorable experiences or challenges you faced while creating looks for them?

The main challenge is time. Chances are, as a makeup artist, you get your allotted time cut down, so you have to be quick, precise, and efficient without making your client feel like they’re being rushed.

You have been involved in various TV shows, from Lorraine to How To Look Good Naked. How do you approach the process of transforming someone’s appearance and boosting their confidence through make-up and styling?

It’s important to be mindful of the individual’s lifestyle, as you want them to feel as if they can maintain their new look. Plus, they still need to see themselves in the mirror—but the best version of themselves.

In addition to your work as a make-up artist, you have also pursued acting and have a role in an upcoming drama series. How do these two creative fields intersect for you, and how does each one contribute to your overall career?

I started as an actor but it’s rare for an actor to work continuously so you have to diversify between acting gigs. So, making people feel good as well as look good is a great second job for me. Plus, I see so many different types of people that it’s great character research!

As an expert in both make-up and skincare, what advice would you give to someone looking to establish a daily beauty routine that enhances their natural features and promotes healthy skin? Additionally, what do you find most rewarding about inspiring aspiring make-up artists and beauty enthusiasts in the industry?

Invest in a really good cleanser, eye treatment, and moisturizer for your daily beauty routine. Avoid face wipes, as they only move dirt around the face. Always match your foundation to your neck tone, and you can add warmth to your complexion with a matte bronzer or subtle contouring.

Hosting seminars and events and inspiring aspiring make-up artists and beauty enthusiasts is incredibly rewarding. Seeing their progress, receiving feedback, and feeling the energy of their passion and enthusiasm brings me immense joy. I love watching others grow in their skills and creativity within the industry.

Your product, Pro Body Glow, has gained a cult following as a 100% natural high shine nourishing multipurpose balm. What inspired you to create it, and what differentiates it from other similar products on the market? Further, can you tell us about your commitment to cruelty-free products and why it’s important to you?

It was born from a casual conversation that I had with one of my clients, actress Goldie Hawn, which led me to a “chance” meeting with the MD of Buzzbalm Beauty, and before you knew it, we were working on the formulation. Then, one year later and over 50 formulations later, we hit the sweet spot, and Pro Body Glow was born.

A little really goes a long way with Pro Body Glow. Some balms can be greasy, which is a big point of difference. All of our ingredients are ethically sourced, including the honey, which is taken using “Flow Hives” so as not to disturb the lovely bees. There are so many different uses for men and women: as a lip balm, to intensify the appearance of tattoos, to give gleam to the skin, to nourish dry and dehydrated skin, as a highlighter on cheekbones, on stretch marks, to intensify the appearance of a tan, etc. Some customers on Amazon UK have even said that it’s really helped with their children’s eczema!

One major reason I believe in cruelty-free make-up as an artist and skincare expert is short: in this day and age, no animal should suffer in the creation of beauty products.

From working at the Oscars to creating looks for celebrities like Goldie Hawn and Nicole Scherzinger, you have had incredible experiences throughout your career. Is there a particular moment or achievement that stands out as a highlight for you?

Wow! I have been very fortunate to have so many highlights. I think co-creating Pro Body Glow as well as training in Reikki were personally life changing. But as far as my career is concerned, flying out for the Oscars and working at the G8 summit one year, also hosting Makeup Week India in Mumbai, was fantastic.

With your extensive knowledge and experience, what do you see as the future of the beauty industry? Are there any emerging trends or advancements that you find particularly exciting?

I love the more holistic side of beauty, and for me, it’s more about active ageing than anti-aging. I really like to be inspired by ancient rituals and see what we can learn from the past to create a better present. I say “present” because all we have is the now; there’s no tangible thing as the future. The looming emergence of AI troubles me, as does the use of filters, etc., as a lot of people seem to be seeking solace in a fake version of reality.

You’ve done so much what is left for you to do?

Well, I would love to create an organic and vegan makeup range. I’ve already done a lot of research on it, and I know that there’s a gap in the market for a high performing ethical range that’s simple and straightforward. I’d also love to do more acting, so if there are any casting directors out there my agent is Lime Management UK!